A description of plastic washers and their manufacturers
You will learn:
Plastic washers are discs with a hole in their center that are used to distribute the load of a fastener. They are a simple component that ensures stability, reduces friction, fit tightly, and provide insulation. As with all forms of washers, plastic washers are thin, flat discs that are placed between a nut, bolt, or other form of threaded device and the surface to which a threaded component is being tightened. Although metal washers are better known, plastic washers have features that provide distinct advantages.
The sturdy material of plastic washers is resistant to corrosion, provides insulation, and is lightweight. Plastic washers are an economical alternative to metal washers, which makes them ideal for large scale projects. The financial benefits of plastic washers has made them the perfect choice for the auto industry, construction, electronics, and various medical devices.
The term plastic washer is a generic descriptor that covers a wide assortment of materials and plastics that are used to produce plastic washers. Each of the various plastics are designed and configured to meet the requirements of specific applications. Nylon washers with their high tensile strength and resistance to wear and tear are used in industrial machinery and the auto industry. The flexibility and resistance to chemicals of polyethylene (PP) makes it ideal for use in plumbing fixtures and applications. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), known as Teflon washers, have exceptional chemical resistance and low friction properties.
As with all plastic products, there are different methods used to produce plastic washers, with injection molding and stamping being the most common. The use of plastic washers in a variety of applications is due to their lightweight, strength, low cost, ease of manufacturing, and the ability to produce plastic washers in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and thicknesses.
The manufacture of plastic products takes several forms depending on the product being produced. From extrusion and injection molding to blow molding, plastics are shaped, formed, and produced to meet the requirements of an application, process, or product. In the case of plastic washers, due to their size, there are specific methods used that vary in accordance with the manufacturer, type of plastic, use of the washers, and washer’s configuration.
The common methods used to produce plastic washers are stamping and injection molding with stamping being the most common and widely used. Since plastic washers are produced in an endless number of shapes, thicknesses, and sizes, the choice of process is determined by those factors. The term “typical plastic washer” is slightly ambiguous since washers come in configurations that best fit an application, with some being thin round and have the shape of a hoop while others have a raised center. In addition, not all plastic washers are round, which is another factor that influences how they are produced.
Stamping is an ideal process for the manufacture of plastic washers in that the process allows for the creation of very thin parts. The main components of plastic stamping are washer shaped dies and a punch press that forces the die onto the plastic fabric. The punches or presses for plastic stamping take different forms with the general types being conventional and high speed, which vary by tonnage.
The stamping process is the most common production method for plastic washers due to its consistency and repeatability. Plastic stamping uses mechanical or hydraulic presses to cut and shape flat plastic sheets. Hundreds or thousands of plastic washers can be produced every hour with exceptionally tight tolerances.
Important features of plastic stamping:
Plastic stamping is a fast, precise, and cost effective method for creating plastic washers in high volume. Dies, with the dimensions and shape of washers, are used by punch presses to form nylon and other thermoplastics into plastic washers. The stamping of most plastic washers involves a combination of dies with one to punch the outside diameter (OD) and one to punch the interior shape, or inner diameter (ID).
Once a plastic washer is shaped by the punch press, it is rapidly removed and sent to secondary processing or trimming where flash, burrs, and excess material is removed. The speed of the process is due to the accuracy of the compound dies that make the punching process efficient and quick. Each plastic washer is shaped and formed in a single stroke of the press.
| The Plastic Stamping Process | |
|---|---|
| Material Selection | Plastics for Plastic Washers are chosen based on their thickness and durability. |
| Die Tooling | Die tooling prepares the specific shape of a plastic washer in accordance with its dimensions and tolerance. Die design and tooling are critical to the quality of a stamped plastic washer. |
| Sheet Feeding | With plastic washer stamping, sheet of plastic can be loaded manually for low volume runs and automatically for high volume runs. |
| Heating - When Necessary | With some forms of plastic stamping, plastic sheets undergo thermoforming or heating for hot stamping. |
| Stamping | During the stamping process, pressure is applied to the die as it cuts into the plastic sheet to form the plastic washers. |
| Secondary Processing and Trimming | When the newly formed washers are removed from the press, they may have burrs, flash, and excess material that needs to be removed. |
The use of plastic stamping enables manufacturers to produce very thin washers using conventional and high-speed presses. As coils or sheets of plastic move through the press, force is applied by the punch that transforms sheets of plastic into washers that are dimensionally accurate with high tolerances. The high speed and high volume of stamping makes it possible to rapidly produce thousands of plastic washers quickly and efficiently with minimal material waste.
The success of plastic washer stamping is due to the precision, care, and engineering that plastic stamping manufacturers put into the stamping process. Dies for plastic stamping are created using CAD and sent to a machine shop to be tooled. In the design phase, dies are computer tested for their stability and accuracy to ensure the quality of the final product. Plastic washer manufacturers take pride in the care and importance they place on each stage of this process. It is this level of concern that ensures customers of the quality of the products being produced.
Plastic washers are produced using stamping due to the versatility, speed, and accuracy of the process. Every aspect of the stamping of plastic washers is carefully examined to ensure tight tolerances, sharp cuts, and dimensional compliance. Plastic washer manufacturers are able to produce a wide range of washers of any size, type, and configuration to meet the requirements of custom applications.
Injection molding is one of the most widely used methods for producing plastic products and is an ideal method for fabricating complex shapes in volume. Large production runs are capable of producing intricate shapes with tight tolerances using a wide range of plastic materials.
The injection molding process involves feeding polymer pellets, powder, or resin into an injection molding machine where the polymer material is heated, compressed, sheared, and mixed to form a homogeneous melted liquid, a process known as plasticizing. A plunger or screw mechanism applies pressure to the melted material forcing it into a nozzle through a runner into a closed plastic mold with a cavity that has the same shape as that of a washer.
Pressure is maintained on the mold after it is full to ensure the density of the plastic washers and to compensate for shrinkage. Referred to as the packing or holding stage, the applied back pressure is very high. The molding machine moves slowly forward as the melted plastic gradually flows to fill every part of the mold. As the holding flow pressure is applied, the plastic begins to cool due to the mold walls and melt viscosity increases. Under the holding pressure, the density of plastic washers increases forming the washers and solidifying them.
Once the formed, solidified, and shaped plastic washers are cooled, they are ejected or released. Solidification takes a few seconds or minutes, which varies due to the thickness, weight, and size of the washers. The ejection stage, the final step in the process, is critical to ensuring plastic washers maintain their form and do not have any defects. Ejection is completed using pins or stripper plates depending on the design of the injection plastic machine. Injection molding is fast, efficient, and effective and produces high tolerance plastic washers for immediate use.
CNC machining normally refers to metals and wood but is also used to manufacture plastic washers. Plastics in this case are thermoplastics, thermosets, and elastomers that are rigid enough to withstand CNC machining. The general rule for CNC machines is that any material can be used as long as it has sufficient rigidity to endure the necessary cutting forces. Of the wide assortment of plastics, the ones that have the rigidity for CNC machining are acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate (PC), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polyoxymethylene (POM), acrylic, and nylon that have a shore D hardness of 50 and above.
Although much of the work performed by CNC machining is on metals, its ability to work with any material and plastics' many unique properties make it a perfect fit for machining plastic washers. CNC machines offer advantages in regard to producing plastic washers. The process is versatile, accurate, capable of producing complex and intricate features, and manufacturing unique geometries.
The CNC process is highly technical and involves the use of computerized renderings that are created using different forms of computer software. An advantage of the process is the ability to engineer a plastic washer on a computer and test it by creating diverse situations that the washer may endure during its use. This testing process enables designers to make adjustments to a washer such that the material being used matches the parameters of the application for which it is being manufactured.
Once a design is approved, the dimensions are translated into G-codes and M-codes that are downloaded into a CNC machine. The codes guide the tools used to shape and manufacture plastic washers. The factors that manufacturers consider for CNC machining of plastic washers are complexity, material, and the desired finish. The processes used in CNC machines to produce plastic washers are milling to remove material, turning with a cutting tool, and drilling to produce holes. The plastic material placed in the machine is in the form of rods.
What differentiates producing plastic washers using CNC machining is the speed of the process, which is less than the machining of metal washers. The CNC process is used to produce plastic washers that are complex, intricate, and require exceptional dimensional accuracy and high tolerances. As with stamping and injection molding, CNC machining produces plastic washers in high volume.
Die cutting is a process that is similar to stamping in that a die is pressed against a sheet of plastic to form plastic washers. Unlike stamping, that involves extreme pressure, die cutting applies less pressure to cut out plastic washer shapes. Steel rule dies are custom designed tools with steel blades that perform the cutting process. As pressure is applied to the die, the blades cut into the plastic fabric.
With die cutting, once a plastic washer die is produced, it can be used over and over again for many years with exceptional repeatability. It is a solution for producing plastic washers with precision, efficiency, accuracy, and at a low cost.
Die cutting is a process that is similar to stamping in that a die is pressed against a sheet of plastic to form plastic washers. Unlike stamping, that involves extreme pressure, die cutting applies less pressure to cut out plastic washer shapes. Steel rule dies are custom designed tools with steel blades that perform the cutting process. As pressure is applied to the die, the blades cut into the plastic fabric.
Benefits of die cutting in producing plastic washers are the simplicity of the process and its error free reliable tolerances. Die cutting is a streamlined production process that saves time and produces low-cost plastic washers. The limiting factor for die cutting is its simplicity. Although die cutting can produce plastic washers at high volumes, it is unable to make complex and intricate washers.
With die cutting, once a plastic washer die is produced, it can be used over and over again for many years with exceptional repeatability. It is a solution for producing plastic washers with precision, efficiency, accuracy, and at a low cost.
Metal and rubber washers have become a mainstay in the manufacture of a wide assortment of products. Their long life, durability, and strength have made them the solution for absorbing shock. Since the middle of the 20th century, manufacturers have discovered that plastic can perform the same functions at a lower cost, which has led to the wide use of plastic washers in several products. In addition, there has been a great deal of emphasis placed on making products lighter and stronger. Plastic washers have become the answer.
The term plastic washer, as with the term washer, covers a large spectrum of washers that come in different shapes, structures, configurations, designs, and sizes. Although the general view of washers is a round “O” like shape, in essence, washers, especially plastic washers, are manufactured in an endless number of shapes depending on the application for which they are to be used. While the traditional “O” shape is still the foundation of all washers, other shapes include squares, cones, cups, and circles with internal teeth. The types and shapes of plastic washers are ever changing as new applications require their use.
Plastic washers are capable of fulfilling the typical functions of washers, which is to distribute the pressure of a fastener evenly over a surface to prevent a fastener from loosening. They protect surfaces from being damaged by fasteners by forming a cushion between the fastener and the surface. This particular function of a washer is designated to flat washers but is generalized to other forms, such as cup, insulator, and countersunk washers.
Flat plastic washers are the most common form of plastic washer and are widely used. The standard flat washer has a circular round shape with a hole in the middle. The inner diameter (ID) and outer diameter (OD) can be in a wide assortment of sizes depending on the use of the washer. They provide a smooth surface for plastic or metal nuts and bolts to prevent damage and loosening.
In some instances, flat washers are in different colors to identify a function, highlight a location, or for proprietary purposes. As everyone knows, flat washers are found everywhere from cell phones and computers to automobiles and technical equipment. They are a reliable and ubiquitous equipment component.
Insulating cup washers are designed to contain and insulate screw heads. They protect the head of a screw from contact with electrical charges. They are very flexible and can be used with head screws, such as cheese, pan, and fillister head screws. Insulating screws are made from a variety of materials and normally come in colors to specify their function. They are molded to meet the requirements of an application.
As with insulating cup washers, shoulder washers are designed to insulate fasteners and are also used to insulate wires and shafts. Aside from providing protection from electrical charges, plastic shoulder washers provide protection from moisture. Their structure looks like a typical flat washer on one end with an outward cylindrical extension or sleeve on the other end. The flanged end is inserted into a housing to provide a bearing surface and can be easily located during installation. There are several names for shoulder washers, which are also referred to as bushing washers.
Although bushings and washers serve two different functions, shoulder washers combine the two into a single unit. Plastic shoulder washers are used in a myriad of applications from automotive assemblies to vending machines and furniture.
Plastic spring washers have a conical shape. They do not set flush until they are subjected to a load. Spring washers provide spring force and are able to absorb shock for axial loads that experience vibrations. They are designed to prevent fasteners from loosening. During their use, spring washers eliminate rattling, maintain assembly tension, and control the reaction to loads. They are widely used in industries where there are vibrating equipment such as electronics and valve applications. Thicker and taller spring washers, such as Belleville conical spring washers, are more capable of sustaining heavier loads and supporting high tension bolts.
The plastic materials selected to produce spring washers are highly durable. Acetal plastic or polyoxymethylene (POM) is commonly used due to its strength, stiffness, and low friction. Durability is the most important aspect of plastic used to produce spring washers due to the nature of their function.
Retaining, retention, and anti-loss washers are used to hold screws and bolts in place during assembly. They are designed to grip the outside of a screw or bolt and attach to the shank. As with spring plastic screws, retaining plastic screws are used in applications where vibrations are present.
The two types of plastic retaining washers are differentiated by their number of holes with one type having two holes while the other has one hole. With a two hole retaining washer, one hole is for a screw or bolt and the other is for attaching a chain, cord, or wire to an assembly. The single hole version has one hole with teeth evenly spaced around the hole. The internal teeth are designed to grip the threads of a screw or bolt.
As with most plastic washers, retaining washers have several different forms and shapes. The variations in the types are in accordance with the size of the inner hole and the types of teeth with some having several teeth while others have two, three, or four teeth. Each design is to serve the purpose of a specific application.
C plastic washers perform the same function as flat washers in that they are designed to distribute the load of a fastener. They get their name from their shape, which is that of the letter “C” with one side of the washer being open such that a C washer can slide under the head of a screw or bolt. Although C washers have a different appearance, they work the same way as all forms of washers. They have the same capabilities of distributing the weight of a load presented by a bolt or screw.
The introduction of C washers is for a couple of reasons. The removal and replacement of traditional washers is difficult and time consuming. C shaped plastic washers can easily be removed by simply loosening a screw or bolt and sliding the washer out. The replacement can be slid in and the bolt or screw tightened.
Split plastic washers, also referred to as spring washers, have a break in a portion of their diameter. Unlike flat washers, split washers have a “split” or slice that leaves the circle of the washer disconnected and incomplete. As with all forms of washers, split washers distribute a load presented by a bolt or screw. Of the different types of washers, split washers are the best at protecting against the effects of vibrations.
Due to the split in a split washer, one side of the split sets higher than the other side. When a bolt or screw is driven through the center of the washer, the risen half compresses acting like a spring. During compression, the raised portion pushes back against the mating surface. The main use of split washers is in instances where there are vibrations, since they are not required for normal load distribution functions.
The very few washers described above are a small sampling of the hundreds and hundreds of plastic washers that manufacturers offer. The use, shapes, types, and kinds of plastic washers match the infinite number of applications for which they are needed. Manufacturers work closely with their clients to provide plastic washers that perfectly match a client’s needs. In addition, manufacturers are able to design, engineer, and produce custom washers for unique and unusual situations.
The types of plastics used to produce plastic washers is selected to ensure the strength, durability, and applicability of a plastic washer for a process or product. The choice of the right material is important for ensuring that a plastic washer provides optimal performance and endurance. Materials are chosen in accordance with the necessary load bearing, capacity, resistance to chemicals and moisture, environmental temperature, and insulation requirements.
Nylon is the most popular plastic used to produce plastic washers due to its elasticity, abrasion resistance, chemical inertness, and machinability. Due to nylon's absorption and insulating properties, it is used in chemical processing applications and electrical processes. As with many forms of plastic washers, nylon plastic washers are used in applications where weight is a critical factor. In modern devices, where insulation and non-conductivity is important, nylon plastic washers are used for making electrical enclosures and circuit boards.
The benefits of nylon plastic washers include high strength to weight ratio, resistance to wear, abrasion, and vibrations, impervious to chemicals, excellent insulation properties, and the ability to endure harsh, stressful environments. It is due to these properties that nylon is the most used polymer in the manufacture of plastic washers.
Polyethylene is one of the most widely used plastics in the world due to its formability, low cost, and resilience. Washers made of polyethylene provide a tight seal and electrical insulation. The two types of polyethylene that are used to produce plastic washers are high density (HDPE) and low density (LDPE), each of which has unique properties that make it ideal for a variety of applications. Although the base materials for both types of polyethylene washers are the same, they have different molecular structures with LDPE molecules having an amorphous structure without organization, while HDPE molecules have a crystalline structure. These unique molecular structures give the two types different physical characteristics.
The lack of a molecular organizational structure for LDPE makes it less dense and more flexible and elastic. The higher density of HDPE, with its crystalline structure, makes it harder and brittle. LDPE is more flexible and malleable, which makes it less likely to crack. On the other hand, HDPE is stronger, more resilient, making it resistant to crushing and abrasions. Both forms of polyethylene plastic washers are affordable, formable, and can be produced in high volume. The choice of which one to use is dependent on the application, with each material having unique and positive benefits.
| LDPE HDPE Washers | |
|---|---|
| Benefits of LDPE Washers | Benefits of HDPE Washers |
| Superior Flexibility | High Tensile Strength |
| High Elasticity | Water-resistant |
| Toughness | Chemical-resistant |
| Tear-resistant | Abrasion-resistant |
| Water-resistant | Tear-resistant |
| High Tensile Strength | Food-grade available |
| Impact-resistant | Impact-resistant |
PTFE or Teflon washers are made from polytetrafluoroethylene, a fluoropolymer that is known for its low friction coefficient and resistance to water, oil, and chemicals. Teflon has excellent thermal stability enabling plastic washers to endure high temperatures and the rigors of cryogenic applications. The exceptional sealing properties of Teflon washers has made it possible to use them as gaskets and seals.
As with most plastic washers, PTFE washers are available in a wide variety of sizes from small and minute to large and robust. This factor makes it possible to adapt them to any application regardless of the size. The sealing factor of PTFE plastic washers has broadened their use as gaskets and seals. Similar to other plastic washers, PTFE washers are used in electrical applications as insulation. In many cases, they are custom designed to meet the dimensional requirements and thicknesses of unusual and unique applications. An additional feature of PTFE washers is an adhesive backing that holds them securely in place.
Delrin is Dupont material formulated from polyoxymethylene (POM). It is a high-performance acetal homopolymer resin that is known for its stiffness, durability, and dimensional stability. Washers made of Delrin can operate at temperatures as low as -50°C (-58°F) and as high as 90°C (194°F), a property that enables Delrin plastic washers to be used in extreme and demanding conditions.
One of the functions of washers is to withstand extremes in compressive force. This aspect of Delrin is exceptional since it can endure compression as high as 5200 psi, which is higher than that of reinforced concrete. This factor enables Delrin washers to maintain their integrity when torqued. In conditions where there are rapid temperature changes and high humidity, Delrin washers retain their shape and dimensions. As with several types of plastic washers, Delrin plastic washers are highly resistant to chemicals, such as hydrocarbon-based compounds, which makes them ideal for applications in the oil and gas industry.
Delrin or POM plastic washers have become a critical part of a wide assortment of industries due to their many positive properties. They are used by the aerospace and military industries, automotive, consumer appliances, power tools, and plumbing industries. Their low friction coefficient prevents the buildup of friction during tightening, which allows for the use of greater torque and higher bolt axial loads.
Phenolic plastic washers are made from a combination of wood fibers and phenolic polymers. Phenolic is manufactured by heating phenol in the presence of formaldehyde under pressure. Water is expelled from the catalyst during the reaction between the materials. The process of producing phenolic determines the properties of the final plastic material, which can be paper reinforced, linen phenolic, nylon reinforced, and glass reinforced.
During the manufacturing process, layers of paper, canvas, fiberglass, or linen are added to the phenolic resin, which is then heat treated under high pressure. This process produces a laminated phenolic plastic with exceptional strength, stiffness, and heat resistance. In addition, the addition of these other materials gives phenolic excellent electrical insulation properties.
The ratio of formaldehyde to phenolic determines the final properties of the plastic. The molecular weight and crosslinking characteristics of phenolic determine its properties. Phenolic is used to produce washers due to its strength, rigidity, and durability as well as its resistance to high temperatures and chemicals.
The many forms of plastic washers deliver properties and characteristics that are necessary for the manufacture of modern products. Over the years, designers and engineers have grown to rely on plastic washers as a means of designing lightweight economical products that can endure any type of use. The list of features provided by plastic washers includes impact resistance, lightweight, low cost, and easy customization. Plastic washer manufacturers work closely with their clients to develop plastic washers that perfectly match the requirement of a client's product or application.
The descriptions of plastics above are the most widely used plastics in the manufacture of plastic washers. Some manufacturers provide a selection of these plastics while others specialize in one type of plastic. Regardless of the focus of a manufacturer, all are capable of guiding their customers through the various aspects of the selection process.
The basic, and obvious difference between plastic washers and metal washers, is the material from which they are made. The function of both types of washers is the same, which is to distribute the load of a fastener. Metal washers are made from an assortment of metals that include stainless steel, carbon steel, aluminum, bronze, copper and titanium. Plastic washers are made from synthetic polymers combined with other substances to create specific properties.
Although certain metals have corrosion resistance, plastic washers are never susceptible to corrosion, regardless of environmental conditions. They can be installed in humid, moist, and corrosive conditions without any fear of rusting or corroding. Plastic washers will never rust or corrode, even when placed in damp and wet conditions.
The weight of plastic washers is one of the main reasons for their use, particularly in modern products, which have a major emphasis on weight. It can be easily assumed that plastic washers weigh far less than metal washers, a factor that makes them easier to install. In addition, the use of plastic washers assists in lowering the overall weight of a product or application.
Modern vehicles and aircraft place a great deal of emphasis on weight. In the case of automobiles, it is in regard to gas mileage. With aircraft, lower weight is a necessity for safety and maneuverability reasons. Although several plastic washers are used in automobiles, thousands are used in space ships and airplanes in order to lower their weight.
The shock absorption of plastic washers is unmatched by any other material. Metals can be shaped and formed to absorb shock. The materials of plastic washers are not susceptible to shock and are excellent at absorbing shock. Plastic washers absorb shock and protect fasteners from shock damage.
The factor that makes most plastics an ideal tool for shock absorption is their hardness, resistance to factors in the surrounding environment, and physical properties. The combination of these characteristics makes plastics a reliable vibration dampening and energy absorbing component.
As with shock absorption, the properties and characteristics of plastic materials are designed to suppress noise. They do not rattle and dampen noise as they are absorbing shock. Many modern technical tools require noise dampening materials to ensure the quality of their performance. Plastic washers easily fulfill that objective.
One of the factors that limited the initial use of plastic washers was concerns regarding their strength, since plastics were thought to be brittle and breakable. Over the years, manufacturers have developed highly durable plastics capable of withstanding a wide range of stresses. The benefits of the strength of plastic washers are found in their longevity, a factor that removes the need to replace them over time. In addition, plastic washers can endure a long list of factors, from exposure to chemicals to temperatures and stress.
Plastic washers have become an essential part of manufacturing and industrial applications. Their use is ever growing as new and innovative methods are being found for their use. The close relationship between plastic manufacturers and their customers has led to the development and introduction of new and unique uses for plastic washers.
When engineers are choosing a washer for a project, there are certain guidelines that they follow. Although plastic washers, or washers in general, are a small component of larger and robust projects, they need to be carefully selected to add to the success of a project and prevent failures. The many types of washers, materials, uses, and other factors can make the selection of the right washer difficult. Understanding some of the rudimentary aspects of washers can be beneficial in the selection process.
The material to which a washer will be attached is the initial consideration. Since plastic washers can adapt to any form of material, they are normally easy to select. The main concern in this aspect of the process is choosing a washer that is not harder than the base material, since hard materials can damage softener materials. This particular concern does not normally relate to plastics because their texture and strength can adapt to any form of material. Unless the base material is exceptionally soft, plastic washers will not indent or deform any base material.
It is a common practice to match high strength bolts or screws to high strength plastic washers to ensure a product's stability. This particular factor is laid out during the design phase of a product where the type of polymer of a plastic washer is chosen to match bolt and screw strength. The durability and resilience of plastic washers are found in this aspect of design.
One of the many benefits of plastic washers is their ability to endure hostile, harsh, and stressful environments. Every product is designed in regard to the conditions where it will be used. The ability of plastic washers to endure the rigors of climatic conditions is a major reason for their inclusion in so many products.
The types of mechanical stresses plastic washers must endure include load, vibrations, impacts, and fatigue. When choosing a plastic washer, they must have the strength and durability to withstand these factors.
When using washers with electronics, it is important to choose ones that are non-conductive and provide insulation. Although most plastics are non-conductive, not all plastics are good insulators.
The medical field, the food and beverage industry, and aerospace have stipulations regarding the materials that can be used in their equipment. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the National Science Foundation (NSF), and Underwriters Laboratories (UL) list plastic materials that are acceptable for various industries.
The dimensions of a plastic washer is normally stipulated in an engineer’s design. Included is the tolerance, thickness, size, and shape of a plastic washer. Manufacturers and their clients work together to ensure a proper fit.
One of the factors relating to plastic washers is the ability to have them manufactured in colors to match the needs of an application. The coloring of washers is not normally a consideration when ordering washers but can be a helpful factor during installation and the identification of various aspects of a machine, equipment, and device.
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